Meet Kevin Sarmiento ’24

Why an engineering major? 
Growing up, I was always tinkering with things. I also went to Disneyland with my family every year and realized that I wanted to work behind the scenes in some way. In my high school, I was in the technical theater crew, so I was helping build sets. I even did sound engineering and played with the lights as well. So, engineering in some way or another has always been a part of my life, and I think USF helped me grow that interest and develop it.

Why USF?
Being born and raised in San Francisco, I was always drawn to the city and after hearing that USF was going to have an inaugural year for engineering when I was joining, I was immediately drawn to that because I wanted to help pioneer and shape the program.

Was there a class that helped grow your interest in an engineering major and computer engineering concentration? 
I did always want to be an electrical computer engineer, but in particular, Sensors and Instruments Through History and Intro to Digital Electronics supplemented my interest in the concentration. I do like history, and I love engineering. Seeing a mix of the two made for a great class. We got to be hands-on while also knowing why we developed these things, how we did it, or how the scientists at the time did it with such limited information or resources.

Your favorite projects at USF?
For our Sensors and Instruments Through History class, we did a project where we created an invention, but in a time before that invention was made. So my partner and I made a lighter, but in the 1600s, and we used the objects that were available at the time, so we really had to do our research and think. At the same time, while making our presentation, I got to show off my fascination for graphic design.

For our engineering capstone, we were given a survey of what we wanted to do as a possible project. I don't know if you've been here around for the Tuesday noon siren in San Francisco, but they took it down for maintenance in 2019 and it has not been replaced because of COVID delays. Fixing the siren is definitely a bucket list item of mine.

Where are you interning?
I interned at the City of South San Francisco's Engineering Division within the Department of Public Works during my junior year.

What do you do there?
I processed encroachment permits for projects that dealt within the public right of way. Typically, that would be PG&E and other utility companies, but we also worked with the public. Particularly in my position, I started leading the traffic advisory committee where we got feedback from the public regarding traffic safety and we did our own research to see if their requests were merited or not.

What has been your favorite or most surprising thing about your internship so far?
When I took the internship, I just didn't know what to expect in the real world. But the engineering department has prepared me well enough to adapt to my surroundings and has just prepared me well overall. I remember in my first semester ever, we took a class called Becoming An Engineer. We were able to make a plan out for the four years of our college careers, as well as skills we want to develop, skills we already have, and skills that we want to improve on. I think that's a big one that has prepared me for my internships and life as a whole.

What are your plans after graduation?
I’m going to Disneyland! As I graduate this summer, I’m looking forward to starting my professional career at the Disneyland resort as a construction project management intern. I’ve manifested my childhood dream and went from saying "one day" to "day one." I couldn’t have done this without the support of my family, my girlfriend, and the engineering program.